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1 



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W:H.' TANNER 



Copyright 1919 by 

William H. Tanner 

Dayton, Ohio 




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THE 
IRTH OF FREEDOM 

AND THE 

PRESENT AGE 




BY 

W. H. TANNER 

DAYTON, OHIO 
1919 






MAV 19 1919 



ICI.A525594 ^ 



-a^/D f 



CAST OF CHARACTER!^ 



Robert Caldwell 

Mrs. Robert Caldwell (His Wife) 

Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson (Old Fri€B<d) 

Frederick Douglas Odey 

Mrs. Frederick Douglas Odey 

Booker T. Poindexter 

James Poindexter 

Roscoe Simmons Caldwell 

Miss Hallie Q. Odey 

Miss Mary Odey 

Miss Minnie Poindexter (School Girl) 

College Boys and Girls: 

Virginia Odey 

Hattie Odey 

Paul Lawrence Odey 

Ethel Caldwell 

Ray Caldwell 

Elizabeth Caldwell 

Dorotha Poindexter 

Helen Poindexter 

Robert Davis (Old Master) 

Mr. Lawrence (White Friend) 

Mrs. Lawrence (White Friend) 



ACT ONE 

(A log cabin. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Caldwell seated on 
boxes.) 

Mrs. Robert Caldivell : We has been a long time anxious to 
get our freedom — de precious incouragement in de disci- 
pline of life — and it comes in time of our weakness and in 
time of our need. We am free tonight from de cruel slav- 
ery days, an' it lays right on our own minds to do wid our 
might what dy hands findeth to do which may do some- 
thing for de comfort to see better days. And God grant 
us de blessings to be ready to answer de call — let it be 
noon or night. (Rises with broom in hand tvith about 
three straws in it, and picks up some rags ayid throws 
them over in the corner.) And this is the first night of 
our freedom. I wish some of dem girls and boys would 
come around. I will just clean up a little — just a few 
pick-ups. 

Mr. Robert Caldwell: I wonder whar all de folks am to- 
night ; things am looking mighty blue around here. I saw 
Old Master standing on de back porch just before dark 
looking over his glasses — looking mighty melancholj^ since 
Abraham Lincoln done wrote out dem proclamation pa- 
pers dat freed us slaves. (A rap on the door.) 

Mrs. Robert Caldwell: Who am dat? 

Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson : It's Robert Benjamin 
Valentine Johnson, de banjo boy. 

Mrs. Robt. Caldwell: You come in right now, Robert Ben- 
jamin Valentine Johnson. 

Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson: Say, I am all mixed 
up tonight ; as I was coming here, I met some white folks 
and dey said, "There goes one of dem free niggers now." 
What does dey mean by saying I am free? Old Massie 
orders me around just de same as he always do, if not 



more. 

?Jrs. Robert Caldwell : Your old Massie nor mj^ old Massie 
nor misses nor none of de masses and misses have no right 
to order us around unless dey pay for it, since Abraham 
Lincoln done wrote them a great big long letter ' telling 
dem to take off de shackles of all of us slaves. And you 
mark my word dat dey will be a great big change in our 
race, I am telling you. (A rap is heard.) 

Mrs. Robert Caldwell: Come. in. 

{Enter vnth their clothes in bundles. Mr. Frederick Doucj- 
las Odey, Booker T. Poindexter, Roscoe Simmons Caldwell, 
James Poi7idexter, Miss Hallie Q. Odey, Miss. Mary Odey, 
in a happy mood.) 

Mrs. Robert Caldwell: We are free tonight! 

Booker T. Poindexter : And dat is what is de madder wid 
Massie tonight. 

Miss Mary Odey: Is dat what de madder wid the white 
folks tonight? 
{Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence, white friends, enter.) 

Mrs. Lawrence : You all must understand that you are free 
to go wherever you like ; and if any of our people try to 
make you work for them as they have herebefore, you 
just tell them that you are free and have changed your 
mind. 

Mr. Lawrence: This slave business has kept this country 
excited, and now the law has blotted it out and in our best 
circles it was pronounced unconstitutional long, long ago ; 
and my belief is that Abraham Lincoln has settled it for- 
ever. 

Mrs. Lawrence: And God granted your race submissive 
temper to bear whatever was put upon you with a full 
conviction, that some day would tend your highest good, 
and he will guide and comfort you. Some day your race 
will cheerfully look forward to what lies before them. 



5 



Mr. Laivreuce : "And now, good-by, and you all must know 
t hat you are free to go wherever you like ; and if any of 
our people come around to make you work for them, you 

just tell them that you are free and have changed your mind. 
(Go out,) 

liobert Daols (Old Master comes in angry and in a high 
i^.iate of excitement) : Robert, you go over and feed the 
horses, mules, cows, sheep, hogs and dogs, chickens, and 
bitch the mules up to the sled and haul in enough corn and 
fodder to last over Sunday. 

Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson: I am free and has 
changed my mind, and some of your people has just left 
here and they told us if you come around here to make us 
worlc as we has herebefore, to tell you that we has changed 
our minds and dat we am free. 

Robert Davis : Robert Caldwell, you go over and black my 
boots! 

Robert Caldwell: I am free and have changed my mind. 
I stood shoulder to shoulder in de battle of Fort Sumpter 
and I heard de roar of de hustling cannons. I saw de 
mixed smoke and flames in de old plantation. I saw de 
ground strewed wid the dead and de dying who rallied 
behind Lincoln because dey wanted to help break down 
de great directing force of slavery that was destroying 
our very life, or freedom, our homes, our firesides, our 
all. (Spellboimd.) 

Robert Davis : Mary Odey, you go over and get my break- 
fast! 

Marif Odey : I am free tonight and has changed my mind, 
and my resolutions is strengthened by de reflection dat 
supplies de foretaste for a better day to come, when our 
little children can have der faces clean, and der clothes 
mended and to learn to read and write and to explain der 
lessons and der sense to follow ; to pour out dat of liberty 
for all dat live to answer life's great end and every bit of 



'•■^jjiivi^'. A.V. 



us is human — make us fellow to your race. 

Robert Davis : You are going to remain right here and we 
will pay you for what you do. {Goes out.) 

Roscoe Simmfions Caldvjell: We is free tonight and we must 
commence looking around like white folks. We mt^s^lt hava 
farmers, lawyers, statesmen, doctors, preachers, school- 
teachers, dress-makers, hair-dressers. De talent is in our 
race, and all we have got to do is to commence digging 
to get it out. (Ask each one to choose ivhut they want 
to be.) 

Miss Mary Odey : What does you want to be, Robert Ben- 
jamin Valentine Johnson? 

Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson: I am not looking to 
be anything. I am just here wid the rest of the folk^. 

Mr. James Poindexter : You see how hard it will be for us 
who strive to grasp dat which can at best give but a slight 
reward, and many times it will extend to de full extent 
of our hopes. 

Miss Hallie Q. Odey : I see nothing but to educate ourselves 
and circulate de Bible and Good Book among us to encour- 
age us to do de very best for ourselves. For virtue and 
intelligence am de foundation of dis country and it is de 
duty for our race to help to keep it pure. 
Mrs. Rober't Caldwell: Yas, and de Christian banner has 
many local influences and teachings ; but within the broad 
folds we trust will cover a many true follower ; so we must 
educate de race or we will perish by der ownselves, so y'll 
just as well get your rags ready right now and go to work 
and stury dem books so you and your children's children 
can add new honors to de race. 

(Shakes hands and bids their hostess a warm farewell 
with their clothes in bundles and all leave in a h<ippy moffd. 
Mr. FredeHck Douglas Odey, Roscoe SimmoiW CaldtveU, 
James Pointdexter, Miss Hallie Q. Odey, Miss Mary Odey.) 
Mrs, Robert Caldwell (standing in the door) : Let each of 



cle rising of de sun find in your condemnation some good 
deed and declosing of de evening wid de assurance it has 
been performed. 

Robert Benjaynin Valentine Johnson: Each closing of de 
evening you will feel de pangs of hunger. 

Booker T. Poindexter: But today de most fear am dat ig- 
norance will bring everything down to its own level in- 
stead of de true knowledge which shall level up de low 
places. I am going to work for myself in de daytime and 
go to night school and make something out of myself; so 
good-by, and may de blessings of de Almighty rest on you 
all and yours. {Goes out.) 

Robert Ben jayn in Valentine Johnson: Good-by. Avoid rum 
and tobacco in all form and late hours unless dey am pre- 
scribed by a doctor for de medicine. If dat old man can 
learn to be a preacher or a statesman, I can learn to live 
without working. The very idea of dat old man working 
all day long and going to night school at night! I have 
been knowing him for twenty years and he was gray anc/ 
bald den, and de man I met with him when I first met 
him said he had been knowing him for twenty years be- 
fore I met him — said he was gray and bald den, and he 
must have been twenty years old before he was gray and 
bald; so you see dar's sixty years, in sight now, and I 
haven't said a word to his master about his age. 

Robert Caldivell: You may be measuring dat man in de 
smallest space. Some day, he may come back and make 
a speech for de race on de celebration of Abraham Lin- 
coln's proclamation. 



(CURTAIN) 



8 



SECOND ACT 



THE FAMILY REUNION 

(A large living i^oom furnished. Pictures on the wall. An 
air of comfort. Seated in the room, Robert Caldivell, Mrs. 
Robert Caldwell, Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson, 
Frederick Douglas Odey, Mrs. Frederick Douglas Odey, 
Booker T. Poindexter, Roscoe Simmons Galdwell, Jgl^^ics 
Poindexter, Miss Hallie Q. Odey, Miss Mary Odey, Miss 
Minnie Poindexter, waiting for the arrival of their boys and 
girls from> college.) 

Mrs. Frederick Douglas Odey : This family reunion is full 
of interest, and nothing seems wanting to impress upon 
the mind and heart. This group of happy friends will be 
a sunny spot in our remembrance. 

Booker T. Poindexter : We will try to make this event pass 
as pleasantly as we can, but there is always something left 
to desire, and the last thing we long for tonight seems the 
most necessary to our happiness, and that is our children, 
who we hope will soon arrive from college. 

Mrs. Robert Caldtvell: Yas, they are growing up around 
us to bless and comfort and all is required is the right 
understanding of all our duties and a sincere purpose to 
fulfill them. 

Mill Hallie Q. Odey : And the spirit of universal friendship 
that is around and about us is not only a mere theory but 
is carried out in the practice of our daily lives. 

Mrs. Frederick Douglas Odey: In the sense of the past 
years, much that will mark its character stands out in 
bold relief, and if we of this day are true to our race, the 
great brotherhood of man will be elevated. 

Booker T. Poindexter: And we must always have it in 



mind, wherever we turn our eyes or our thoughts. If we 
only are as honest and candid in our estimate of the pro- 
vision made for us, as we are ordinarily in our estimate 
of the character and conduct of our fellow men, we would 
be struck with admiration and gratitude to that merci- 
ful Father who has seen our wants and provided for our 
comfort to an extent to which the care and provision of 
the best earthly parents for their children hardly gives 
the name of resemblance. 

James Poindexter : That is true, and there is no truth bet- 
ter settled than that, and there was slavery until he whose 
right it is shall reign and the evil of such being thrown 
upon our race we had to bear ; and now study how to re- 
lieve ourselves in every practical way. 

Mr. Robert Caldwell: In looking back, the picture comes 
fresh to my mind, after the birth of our freedom, and our 
name as a private citizen was a better inheritance for 
ourselves and our children than any distinction we may 
attain, and the influence we could exercise for the country 
and to set a just value on our time. 

Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson: To set a just value 
on our time, will it deprive any one of any rational pleas- 
ure? 

Mary Odey: You can see how it will be for those who 
strive to bring about reform. When those so utterly care- 
less and indifferent about those of the highest moments. 

Frederick Douglas Odey : Idleness adds nothing to the mind. 
It floats without finding anything. Please let him alone, 
there's no hope in sight for him. He will have to pay for 
his link in the chain of progress. 

Roscoe Simmon Caldwell: We should not get discouraged 
— there will soon be a complete change of all things and a 
new order in every way, and *peace on earth and good will 
to all men !' " 

Booker T. Poindexter : And no honor that at this time loves 



10 



itself better than humanity is true honor. No law that 
stands between us and the highest laws of helping human- 
ity to a higher standard is worth the paper it is written 
on. 

Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson : It will be most grati- 
fying to our race when there will be universal brother- 
hood and a universal peace ; but I don't believe in crying 
for peace, peace, when we know that peace cannot be es- 
tablished until Satan is dethroned. 

James Poindexter: Yes, today universal power at work, 
friends of war let loose. Scripture fulfilling perplexity 
of nations. Israel to be gathered in the dark and cloudy 
days. 

Miss Minnie Poindexter: I understand that Mr. Shaw's 
son Cormon was drafted and had to go to war. Just think 
this was his last year in college to complete his study to 
become a doctor. 

Booker T. Poindexter : Well if our boys had to go to France, 
it w^as not death that beckoned them to go where that 
great event happened, where nations had risen up in per- 
plexity, where human misery had increased. They im- 
proved every moment of their time and helped to allow 
Europe to repose in peace and Germany to be made to 
satisfy or give a good degree of content. And may God 
guide them back to their starting place and find a dis- 
position to appreciate and to enjoy. {Gets a letter from 
Virginia — reads it. ) 

"Mrs. Frederick Douglas Odey. 
"My Dear Beloved Parents : 

"Your letter brought light to my path and joy to my 
heart when reading the news of the family reunion. I 
trust it will prove an increased attraction to all who will 
be present to unite in the joyful ingathering with such 
associations and connected as they will be — ^the most en- 



11 



deared recollections. We have all planned to arrive on 
that date. 

"As ever, 

"Virginia Odey." 

Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson : Coming home to the 
family reunion ! I bet they will have some class to them. 
Some from Wilberforce and Tuskegee, State University. 
I must go out and sharpen up my wits so I can come 
across with that grammar. And I am going to discharge 
the whisk-broom, blacking brush, mop and broom. (Starts 
for the door.) 

Miss Minnie Poindexter : I should think it would be agree- 
able to you to stay here and hear those distinguished char- 
acters. They may demonstrate the common saying that 
some objects appear larger by getting nearer to them, and 
you may learn more about the subjects of the day, which 
may have in them deeply impressive, improving, instruc- 
tive and interesting associations going back to our early 
days. 

Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson: In our days in col- 
lege it were a source of great gratification and we found 
in it so much satisfaction and in friendship. But, oh ! the 
present universal friendship is only a mere theory and is 
carried out in the practice of our daily life. You take an 
instance — our college boys and girls — they think they are 
in a field to themselves and they all talk that high edify- 
ing, romantic, aloganic talk and some of them don't know 
enough that when Uncle Sam rains bullets on the Ger- 
mans that they had to let them rain. 

Roscoe Sim.mons Caldivell: You are one of our race that 
they are striking away that is worthless bound and trying 
to mire their virtue and intelligence which is the glory 
and the dignity and deserves more than the passing his- 
tory. And I will just say to you, if our college boys and 
girls talk that high, edifying, romantic, aloganic talk you 



12 



are here with your perfidy, egotistical talk, with your 
rudely rudeness egotistical self. 
Miss Halite Q. Odey : I think he is alike the fellow that said 
he had eaten so many hog heads in winter that he was 
ashamed to look a hog in the face. And I think he is 
ashamed to look virtue and intelligence in the face to- 
night, which is the foundation of this country. 

Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson: I cannot help that, 
but I have been a little bit leary about virtue and intelli- 
gence since I looked that East St. Louis mob in the face. 

Booker T. Poindexter. Ah, that mob in East St. Louis never 
had that kind of virtue and intelligence that half the 
world, both white and black, is fighting for. Not that 
kind of virtue and intelligence that ten thousand Negroes 
that belong to the National Association for the Advance- 
ment of Colored People, who are acting as the aiming mind 
of one man to include the black man in every American 
right and privilege. 

Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson: You are so full of 
Jim-Crow-ism, patriotism, segregation, and democracy, 
that it is licking all the molasses off your bread and call- 
ing you a nigger. 

Mrs. Robert Caldivell: Remember, the American Negro 
proves his value as a fighter in the war and Old Glory 
knowns no color-line and those called to serve under that 
flag must understand the fact. 

Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson: Understand the fact 
for God's sake know what you was fighting for. 

Jaines Poindexter: We were fighting for the world to be 
made safe for democracy, and then we can have a dry 
world and the Ethiopia shall stretch forth her hand unto 
God and segregation will be but a passing shadow. 

Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson (calmly) : Time for 
consideration. My next constant direction will be to keep 



1 ^ 



a particular watch over myself. And I feel a more strong 
desire to report upon this subject. I am speaking prac- 
tically of those anxieties which I can feel and condemn 
myself for, in looking forward to the condition. I can 
see plainly before me the information of every character. 

Miss Mary Odey (pleasantly and pointing towards the small 
childre7i) : Those dear characters that we have served to 
make them what they are — those dear subjects that you 
have been so bold as to condemn everything that we intro- 
duced. And now it's time to use your endeavors to con- 
quer j^our passion and evil propensities ,to conform your 
life to the strict rules of Christianity which is the best 
practice of morality. 

Robert Benjamin Valenthie Johnson: Morality is strict 
justice between man and man. Therefore a man being 
moral does not imply he is a Christian. 

Mr. Robert Caldwell : But being a Christian implies he is a 
moral man. Give this your best thought for it is a con- 
sideration of vast importance to you to go out and sharpen 
up your wits. 

Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson (with much feeling) : 
I can see in every angle that prejudice will never allay 
against knowledge unless it is the utmost interest to every 
one and it will always be my aim so to conduct myself 
that those whom I value most in this world will soon ap- 
prove my conduct when my actions will be laid bare to 
their inspection. (Goes out.) 

Miss Hallie Q. Odey : I think he will join in with the race 
to help secure simple justice under the law. And will 
quickly know what is the real situation — the situation that 
is facing us on account of our dark skins in America. 

(College boys and girls come in with a happy mood and 
shake hands with all and make the old home ring with pleas- 
ure.) 



14 



Mlb'S Elizabeth Caldwell: Mother, I have set a just value 
on my time and I have made the right use of it, and never 
at any time deprive me of any pleasure but encourage tem- 
perance in the enjoyment of all the good things connect- 
ing us, which a good Providence has placed within our 
reach. 

Paul Laivrence Odey : Father, I have striven to adopt such 
that it would be easy for me to go right than go wrong 
and you may well cherish it, it is the thing nearest my 
heart and I hold myself responsible to make good. 

Miss Dorotha Poindexter: This family reunion is full of 
interest and the goodness of parents who seek by all 
means to bring us nearer to ourselves. 

Mrs, Robert Caldwell: We are here in this life to gain 
knowledge and wisdom and to know what occupation to 
adopt or profession we should follow; and to rear our 
children so that they may add new honors to our names 
and to bless our declining years ; and you that receive ten 
talents will receive a proportional reward, and those who 
receive one shall be punished tonight if they hides it under 
their napkin. 

Miss Ethel Caldwell: We have nothing to hide under our 
napkin tonight, mother. How can we enjoy life better 
than by distributing the good things instrusted to us 
among those who are comforted by receiving them, so 
you need not feel yourselves any more much obliged than 
we are. 

Mr. Robert Caldwell: The opportunity is at hand ard \ou 
are brought very near to us on such a night as this by 
your progress as well as by your words. 

Miss Ethel Caldivell : Behold, how good and pleasant a thing 
it is for relations to dwell together in unity. We have 
obeyed their Father's injunction, not to fall out by the 
wayside. And the work of each day is performed with 
the feeling and the determination to work in the vineyard 



15 



while our time lasts. I am the happiest girl alive and 
willing to acknowledge this visit is so full of interest and 
it is a source of unfeigned thanksgiving that it has been 
permitted to us. And the subject of principal interest 
among us now is with such affections and source of hap- 
piness connecting from our early days, I hope that v/e will 
continue to feel it our duty to strive for that you have 
had so much at heart and have labored so long for, and 
that we may look back upon this visit with pleasure and 
forward to another with increased relish. 

Mrs. Frederick Douglas Odey : Miss Hattie Odey, I hope 
that you cherish this engathering and hold yourself re- 
sjionsible in making good. 

Miss Hatty Odey: My dear parents and relations, while I 
am in college, my heart yearns strongly towards Dayton, 
Ohio, which I consider the garden spot of America. And 
I shall not attempt to explain to you in words my pleasure 
to be here at our family reunion tonight, after so many 
years of effort as principal of school in the Southern 
lands. 

And my experience has been my ablest teacher towards 
my expectations. 

In the South is where one can trace the events of slav- 
ery, and what happened at that age has an influence on all 
after time, such as lynching and burning our race at the 
stake, which is in God's sight eating and uprooting the 
foundation of religion's liberty. And I pray that God, 
some day, that the vast millions of white people in this 
United States will commemorate their power to obtain 
reference to our virtue and intelligenec for a stronghold 
of liberty; and for that liberty with overflowing hearts 
you have gathered together your children about you on 
this great event which should be prized above all others 
and to your teachings are the blessings we enjoy — utters 
with a pointed significance the true intent of our meeting 



16 



here tonight and our words are the golden ones : "Honor 
thy father and thy mother." And without losing sight 
of the blessings attached to the command. We have gath- 
ered about you at this time not only to do you honor, but 
in some faint measure to express in words and actions 
the love we have for you. We rejoice that your lives have 
been spared to us so long; that time has dealt so gently 
with you ; and that we can gather about you, children and 
grandchildren, in the old homestead while you are yet in 
the full enjoyment of health and all your faculties, almost 
an unbroken family. 

Miss Mary Odey : Remember, Helen Poindexter, that in 
the best performance of all your duties lies the highest 
enjoyment of all our pleasures. 

Helen Poindexter : Our present happiness was a great ob- 
ject for Booker T. Washington. As a friend he was most 
faithful, and many can testify to the value of his friend- 
ship as upon the warm sympathy and affection with 
which his heart was filled towards them and theirs. And 
many of the popular movements of more modern times 
were those alone by which he though were prominent hap- 
piness and prosperity. As a citizen his views were com- 
prehensive and bounded by no less than what concerned 
the honor and prosperity of the country, and keenly sen- 
stitive to the injury inflicted by such would tend to dis- 
promote our welfare. No parent could be more indulgent 
or more resolute in denying what was hurtful. As a 
Christian he endeavored to walk in the footsteps of his 
Master; and sought those fields of labor which all can 
meet with those which are hedged in by segregation, sect, 
and color, and his views did not limit him to the common 
obligation of morality, but included the highest sense of 
duty towards God and man. 

James Poindexter : Miss Dorotha Poindexter, endeavor to 
do something to improve your visit, under circumstances 
so favorable ; to do your part in establishing a character 



17 



for yourself and nothing to hide under your napkin. 

Miss Dorotha Ponidexter : Many of our race can look bac^c 
a few years, and recall to memory the manly form, and 
fin open countenance of Paul Lawrence Dunbar, who was 
so suddenly cut off at the very threshold of what prom- 
ised to be a more honorable and useful career, which made 
him a stay and hope of our race. Those who were a<> 
quainted with him might suppose that his long-continued 
ill health, extending through a period of two years, per- 
mitted the formation of a character which few could at- 
tain. How he struggled in the business world in active 
life. The principles of religion and truth inculcated by a 
faithful mother upon the heart of the child, shown forth 
in all the events which mark the life of Paul Lawrence 
Dunbar. Let it rather be the aim of those who loved him 
and honored him in life to estimate his example now that 
he is dead. 

Miss Hallie Q. Odey: Miss Elizabeth Caldv/ell, we have 
given you good books and words of good counsel and hope 
to observe the progress of your special improvements and 
for your safety who have so much at heart. 

Miss Elizabeth Caldwell : It seems so fitted to include Fred- 
erick Douglas in our memories tonight. For more than 
thirty years he was so intimately associated in the excite- 
ment of the political struggle in which he was called to 
take a part; and he was never tempted to overstep the 
bond of courtesy or regard his opponents otherwise than 
with feeling of kindness. And for the advancements of 
all those good objects which tend to promote the welfare 
of the race. Having faithfully served in the cause of this 
country during the term of his engagement and took a 
deep interest in providing means for the education of the 
youth, and lived to see the subject in our care all that could 
reasonably hope to desire. 

Dorotha Poindexter: Mr. Paul Lawrence Odey, poetical 
ideas are ardent in your heart and don't hide it under your 



18 



napkin but express something to recall the days of Paul 
Lawrence Dunbar. 

Paul Lawrence Odey: 

His praises now to sing, 

Of a noble man to us so dear. 
Up on the altar of duty his loyal brings 

Charity and love to all is here. ■ 

But his great soul has flown, • 

Leaving a treasured memory that waves, 
Whose strong voice with thunder tone 

Proclaimed the liberation of slaves. 

j 

His character was so monumental 

To sacrifice as he did for human 
And what appeared to be eternal 

Brought a vision for him to land. 
The whirlwind spoke to him wisdom 

That the same God's light lights all ways, 
And when in silent would come visions 

For the freedom of impressed slaves. 

Lincoln always planted a rose, 

That wreathed around a sadden brow, 
And where a thistle always grows, 

A glorious halo did allow. 
And the great God of battles 

Shield through the burning rays, ''" ; 

To the highest to unloosen the shackles . 

Of four million slaves. 

Slavery has passed over the land, \^ 

Its tempest darken our sky; 
Undaunted, however, we stand. 

And shall until the time passes by. 
We advocate liberty throughout, ' 

Of that our hearts crave. 



19 



And for who made the flag wave out 
For unhappy slaves. 

Their souls were exposed to ruin 

And their heads hung low to the breast ; 
But Christ silently was pursuing 

Those were sighing for a season of rest. 
God loves a contrite spirit, 

And on the silent tomb's opening days 
The pure in heart shall be of one merit 

As Lincoln was for the slaves. 

There was but one Abraham Lincoln, 

His memory will be forever green ; 
Whose heart is an open book to thinking 

Of the darkest hours this nation ever seen. 
And has sealed with his saintly blood 

A living example to our graves 
Who was for charity, love, and stood 

For over four million slaves. 

Mr, Robert Caldwell : Miss Minnie Poindexter, you are not 
putting aside the title of original greatness that a good 
Providence has placed within your reach. 

Miss Minnie Poindexter: My parents and kindred, I was 
laboring under the impression that I was to be numbered 
among those who are to be first-class listeners ; and I offer 
it as my opinion that I haven't sufficient confidence in 
myself to make a speech, but I am enthusiasitic in my ad- 
miration of those who did not shun to declare that they 
are not hiding anything under their napkins tonight, and 
I was giving them m yearnest attention and passing over 
in excessive silence as I listened with an expression of 
my approval, to the faithful declarations of the speakers. 
And I know you all will hand them a bouquet of flowers 
and only allow me to feed on the odor of the blossoms as 
an expression of good will to the college boys and girls 



20 



v/ho owe to this country their best behavior, services, and 
talents, and should devote them to its welfare, and may 1 
be permitted to apply the character of my highly valueil 
and respected relations. And now I am free to say with 
great pride, 1 am really glad to be here tonight at this 
family ingathering; and may God reward us and enable 
us to enjoy the elevated satisfaction that follows such good 
work. 
Jiiss Hallie Q. Odey. That is ivonderfvl. It's lovely, and 
worthy to rank with the finest masterpieces; and I am 
enthusiastic in my admiration of the speeches of the col- 
lege boys and girls and of their splendid voices which have 
gives its utterance. And I hope the habit of mind that 
they have cultivated in college will be one that will bide 
Avith them and v/in for them a fair share of success. And 
further I am proud to say that we can see more plainly 
tonight than ever where we are to look forward for in- 
structions, directions, and support, and there's a pleasant 
vision v/hich opens to us when we look forward to the 
character that the college and schools are sending forth 
now and in the future. 

Miss Mary Odey: It has been said tonight that who re- 
ceives ten talents will receive a proportional reward and 
those who receive one shall be punished if they hides it 
under their napkin. I have nothing to hide tonight. 1 
awoke this morning very early and after awhile fixed my 
mind in prayer to God that our duty may clearly be seen 
tonight and that we may perform it in the spirit of a true 
disciple. On this occasion our minds and feelings are ele- 
vated with devotion and as I trust suitably affected with 
gratitude to all who are present to unite in this joyful 
ingathering. God bless our old home tonight. And hovv^ 
important then that our places of education that are sus- 
taining and supplying a pure and living stream that irri- 
gates our homes and train our boys and girls to knovs^ 
their duty, what is needful proper and best. 



21 



M}'s. Frederick Douglas Odey. I wonder what is keeping 
Virginia ? m \ 

Miss Hattie Odey. Mother, Virginia will be here soon. She 

met up with a gentleman by the name of R, B. V. 
Johnson and he told her that he was well acquainted 
with her folks at home and he seemed to be refined and 
well education. 
Mr. James Poindexter. I wonder is that our Robert Benja- 
min Valentine Johnson who has made his way to the 
people's respect and affections? 

Mr. Frederick Douglas Odey : A good, kind ^vord now and 
then makes the downhearted think more of their conduct 
and behavior. 

Booker T. Poindexter. Don't you know that Robert Benja- 
min Valentine Johnson graduated in Wilberforce in early 
days and he always said it was a magnificent college and 
was the next thing nearest his heart. 

Mrs. Robert Caldtvell: Remember that Robert said this 
morning that we would soon approve of his conduct when 
his actions would be laid bare to our inspection? And his 
reputation as a thinker and a writer has made whatever 
has been published of this sort desirable to be read by the 
great masses of our reading population. It's our Robert 
Benjamin Valentine Johnson and I will bet a silver dollar 
that is with Virginia. 

(Virginia Odey comes in with Robert Benjamin Valentine 
Johnson. He stops at the door and talks ivith Booker T. 
Poindexter, who recognizes him. Virginia Odey shakes 
hands with all in a happy mood and they don't appear to 
thoroughly recognize Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson 
until Virginia Odey introduces him — then all rise and greet 
him.) 

Helen Poindexter: Virginia, all of the college boys and girls 
have sung and made speeches. What are your future 
plans to keep the old home fires burning? 



22 



lirgima Odeij: I hope when they were singing and speak- 
ing you could see the mental and moral qualities which 
can characterize them through life. 

Mrs. rFederick Douglas Odey : Virginia, every one here is 
interested in your welfare, and I read with deep interest 
your letter to them, and they said that you let no oppor- 
tunity pass without making the most of it and that you 
are never worried, discouraged, or dull, but have a long- 
for friendship unknown. 

1 'irginia Odey : My dear parents and relatives : With great 
pride I am proud to say that the general appearance of 
our family ingathering is of such a well-meaning event 
that it has brought back scenes of your childhood of fifty 
or more years ago. And my visit here tonight is so full 
of memories of the past that I hardly know where to 
begin— from your early days or the story of the present 
days. But I will say in conclusion that while I am in col- 
lege my great object is to learn and secure the confidence 
of my teachers and friends. And I feel as though I can 
f^o q little to advance the cause of our happiness' while I 
remain here at our family reunion in pleasure that flows 
jx-om our plans and doings; that supplied a foretaste of 
the enjoyment for those happy hours in the pathway of 
our duty. And I hope the talents entrusted in our care 
have been faithfully employed tonight and show the sense 
of responsibility by active deeds more than by unmeaning 
words. And never to feel at liberty to waste on ourselvei 
such things as by right principles. And when we turn 
back to the dark pages of our histoid it was that sense 
of duty that Lincoln had, long before society had been 
heard of, or the investigations had commenced on which 
our circumstances were based, that he, Lincoln, would 
free the slaves if he should ever become the President of 
the United States. And when he became President of the 
United States his sense of duty meant more to us than un- 
meaning words. And it was that practical instance of 



23 



that character, judgment, and decision of Lincoln that 
Ireed four million slaves. And this is the difference of 
going just right who had gone wrong. And this gentleman, 
as you will observe by his style, is well educated and the 
circumstances he states I have no doubt but what are 
true. He received an early education in Wilberforce and 
his parents and himself were once slaves and he says he 
has accepted an invitation to be one of the speakers on 
emancipation day. Will you allow me to present to you 
Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson, D.D., LL.D. 

Robert Benjamin Valeyitine Johnson: Ladies and gentle- 
men: I was here this morning at the beginning of this 
family reunion and I v/as here forty years ago. I believe 
before the greatest majority of you were born, and I can 
say with great pride that I never was here under more 
pleasant circumstances than now. And some of you 
know that I have been neglectful and careless in the per- 
formance of those high every-day duties which I should 
never lose sight of for a moment, and try to be useful to 
those around me. And my down-hill tendency in the stan- 
dard character was a bad sign. And my change I hope 
within your recollection of this day is such as almost to 
make you mistrust your own sense. Our duty is plain if 
we do not educate and elevate the class of people that is 
bringing everything down to their own level; they will 
change our system of government within a few years, and 
in our race we have many w^ho are not educated — who are 
not making their way to the public respect. 

And you know my anxiety about little things has kept 
me from the enjoyment of those bright scenes that was 
so common to me when not oppressed by any of those 
may be events, and I found myself in a shattered state, 
unfit to encounter the responsibilities incident to my sta- 
tion and now I am ashamed to express that weakness, but 
God grant that I may have the disposition to use my tal- 
ent in such a manner as to receive at last the joyful sound 



24 



of "Well done." 

Ray Caldwell: And now the ships of war have carried 
bread to our soldiers and powder and ball to inflict 
more injury upon the enemy and now this battle for lib- 
erty is won and our ships anchored in their harbor in 
time of peace. May the silent minority work steady for- 
word with unflinching confidence in the probability of 
man through his God, will let the whole world know that 
our race does not harbor low, degrading evils. And may 
the Almighty in his infinite mercy teach candor, char- 
ity, and peace and we enjoy the sweet consciousness that 
this will be in harmony with the subject of life. As the 
closing of this family reunion, that is like the western 
horizon after sunset, bright and beautiful the opening of 
the new, radiant with life, hope and crown with such a 
custom of love; as few old grandfathers, grandmothers ^ 
and uncles, aunts can muster in. And while your memory 
carries you back to the slavery days, and the birth of your 
freedom and the days of our childhood when you were the 
source and the inspiration of all our joys ; when we played' 
about your knees without a care or thought that went be- 
yond the passing moments, blessed with health, a happy 
family, a united family. Thus our years went by until 
the swaddling bands of youth were thrown off, round- 
abouts and short dresses were abandoned and the children 
of yesterday became the man and woman of today. 

(CURTAIN) 



25 



THIRD ACT 
EMANCIPATION DAY 

(Grove scene. Roy Caldwell acting chairman. Prayer by 
Booker T. Poindexter.) 

Speakers of the Day: 

Frederick Douglas Odey 
Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson 
Roscoc Simmons Caldivell 
Booker T. Poindexter 

Fellow Citizens: It is again our privilege with over- 
flowing hearts to gather together to express that well-up 
within us, while memory carries us back to the inter- 
vening days of slavery, over fifty years ago, and we are 
honored to have wuth us today one who has been resolute 
in denying what would be hurtful to the race. I take 
pleasure in introducing Frederick Douglas Odey. 
Frederick Douglas Odey : Ladies and gentlemen : The un- 
broken band of brothers who have marched together on 
this Emancipation Day hand in hand, united by a common 
bond of sympathy and affection, sustaining each other in 
all trials and rejoicing together to set a just value on time 
and to make the right use of it, to honor whom we should 
acknowledge and love. If we have misused or abused the 
opportunities there is not a moment to be lost in retracing 
our steps and making good by future efforts what has 
been lost by want of it. We can none of us ever know 
that a future will be allowed us to amend and correct our 
previous misdoings and omissions, and it is not less the 
part of wisdom than of duty to be always up and doing 
and do what little we may for the advancement of the 
race. And God grant us patience and submissive temper 



26 



to bear whatever may be put upon us with a full convic- 
tion that such will tend to our highest good, if we make 
the right use of it. Although at times clouds and dark-^ 
ness are around and about us ; but we do certainly know 
by the words of inspiration that justice and judgment are 
the habitation of the throne ; and goodness and mercy the 
attributes of his character. 

And when we think back that it only takes a little over 
fifty years to complete the birth of our freedom, we should 
not be too much grieved that we have met the common 
fate of man. We have lived long enough to know that 
our work has been successful and comes down through a 
generation of fifty years from where they prayed to God 
to clear away in His good time all that were dark and 
vile for the race. And the little old log cabin in the lane 
was a congenial home where they had the deepest respect 
for religious feelings. And a romance can be written on 
the old banjo that was their favorite instrument to trip 
the light fantastic toe v/ith a hearty good will to the many 
hours that they had spent in the cane and cotton fields, 
and at the hand loom, and the hum of the almost desolate 
spinning wheel comes across our memory on this Eman- 
cipation day like the rem.embrance of a pleasant but half- 
forgotten melody. 

And today in addition to our advantageous arising from 
our honest course of conduct with our fellow men, I will 
say to the younger generation that theirs is the satisfac- 
tion reflecting within our race that you should endeavor 
to do your duty. It is, therefore, of the highest conse- 
quence that you should not only cultivate correct princi- 
ples but that you should place your standard actions so 
high as to require great vigilance in living up to it. You 
are young and the course of life seems open, and pleasant 
prospects greet your ardent hopes, but you must remem- 
ber that the race is n t always to the swift, but with just 
reliance on the power vou need have no fear of the threats 
of the wind and waves of the East St. Louis mob that 



27 



threatens our destruction. 

Ladies and gentlemen, we have with us today one who 
has found time to take an interest in everything tending 
towards the amelioration and elevation of the race and 
takes this life's lessons to his heart and strives to carry 
out its teaching in his life and today we are proud to 
hear him speaking those words so full of meaning. With 
pleasure I introduce Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson, 
D.D., LL.D. 
Robert Benjamin Valentine Johnson: Ladies and Gentle- 
men: It affords me great pleasure to be here with you 
and to think back where we come along — where we can 
see the good hand of God in all of our experiences, and it 
all goes to show that we all are engaged in the uplift of 
the race. How vain it would be of us this day — so ambi- 
tious of distinction — to view it on any other foundation 
than uprightness of character, pureness of life and an 
active performance of all those duties included to impress 
with the plain truth. 

I cannot find any other words in which to express my 
thoughts than God be merciful to us as sinners, and let us 
continue on this way. There will be more than virtue 
enough in this race of ours to save us in this country. 
And we hope a better heart given some of its people and 
then the care and the anxiety of this world will not dis- 
turb but the social and sympathizing feeling will have its 
full share in the effect upon us and each of those in whom 
we trust, in their proper place and degree, will supply all 
our wants. And the cheering promises that encourage us 
when our powers are at the highest will not fail when the 
weight of years in infirmity has made it more necessary to 
our comfort to get over the few remaining span of the 
journey. 

And the history of our race involves in so many details 
which we haven't time to give or count the links in the 
great chain of progress by the way which we have reached 
our present condition. 



28 



Fellow citizens, it is an honor to have with us a gentle- 
man who is active and industrious, though passed the 
seventieth milestone on the journey of life, and his flood 
of recollection will bring a loving tribute to your grateful 
hearts, that involves the history of the race ; that deserves 
more than passing history. I take this great opportunity 
to introduce Roscoe Simmons Caldwell. 

Roscoe Simmo7is Caldwell : Ladies and Gentlemen : I can 
say with great pride that it affords me great pleasure to 
be here with you and to think and to say the simple fact 
that we are starting just right, and we are indebted with 
God's blessings on our labor, for our present position, as 
well as that of the numerous connections which have 
sprung up around us and today our duty is plain before 
us as the sun at noonday, by which events are connected 
together, and have led to the results that calls on us to 
bless the Lord for his benefits. And to us the opportun- 
ity thus permitted to us claim relationship with this 
world's goods on a more enlarged scale. And when we 
turn back we can trace the events of slavery and what 
happened at that age. It stands out today in bold relief 
that has an influence upon all after time and when w^e 
think back a little over fifty years. It was that of Lin- 
coln's virtue, intelligence and investigations, judgment 
and decisions which characterized four millions of our 
fellow beings through life in God's good time who v/as 
sighing for a season of rest. And when the investigations 
were going on before Congress to abolish slavery and they 
finding that Lincoln's desire became more pressing for 
the approach of the hour for indulgence, but Congress re- 
solved to discontinue the habit altogether, but it was Lin- 

. coin well fitted to be our President, in those troublesome 
times and lived to force the united, and his unhesitating 
decision which he considered the foundation of our suc- 
cess. From that age we have been connected for our good 
and the good of the country. And to say that we were 
placed in the war in a practically favorable situation and 



29 



provided with the genuine faith for improving ourselves 
in the knowledge of such will be hereafter useful to the 
race and the country. And our influence in this small 
measure will be felt through generations to come. 
. Still lives the memory of Lincoln — forever green on the 
pages of history. Submitted as a memorial of one w^hose 
life and character deserve more than the passing history. 
If, however, what Lincoln has done shall be the means of 
directing of those for w^hich his record has been prepared 
to the consideration of his precepts, and above all his pre- 
cepts shall be the means of influencing them for good, 
their future course of life — their efforts will not be in 
vain. And today we honor those who walk in his foot- 
steps for the consideration of his precepts to make us 
fellow as a race, who ever since have been going up from 
the cornet of dragons of slavery to our present position. 
I thank you. {Prolonged cheering.) 

Ladies and gentlemen : V/e have with us this day to 
join us in our congratulations of this day, and we all 
know that no heart beats with more loyalty and unselfish 
affection, and that no one is more willing to contribute 
to the general rejoicing of the day, and who is trying to 
arouse by merc}^ and kindness in alleviating the inevit- 
able results of war by smothering the fire of hatred and 
segregation and reconstructing from the old the beautiful 
spirit of the new United States. I take great pride in 
introducing Booker T. Poindexter. 

Booker T. Poindexter: Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentle- 
men, this is one great event that recalls the birth of our 
freedom, while memory carries us back through the inter- 
vening j^ears of slavery and when circumstances threw 
our nation into the ungracious, unhallowed ones of de- 
struction and human misery. The ruling millions lost no 
time in declaring that the "World must be made safe for 
democracy." And possibly many here know w^hen the 
reconstruction growing out of the Civil War resulted in 



30 



adding the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amend- 
ments abolishing slavery and giving the Negro his free- 
dom, is universally accepted uncontested. The Fourteenth 
and Fifteenth Amendmnets, which made the Negro a cit- 
izen and crowned him with the intended effort of these 
amendments, and since that time our race has been hon- 
ored as mental superiority, as elevated station, as com- 
manding influence, as glory, as highest political honor this 
country on him could bestow. And today that evil of 
segregation is growing in a fearfully rapid ratio, and it 
will require the steady course of respected and honest 
men of this United States to prevent its spread, by influ- 
encing the people of this land against our race becoming 
its slave, and our experiences are such as to confirm us 
that it would be true wisdom to have done so, and a prac- 
tically exponent of Christian principles. And \Ye as 
worthy citizens can only be made to see, when the people 
will know more about the new reconstruction through 
which we are now passing must complete the work of th3 
old, so that in truth and in deed as well as in words and 
phrases : "There shall be no discrimination on account of 
race or color" and time for consideration so far as may 
be needed. And we trust they will find no backwardness 
on our part in putting matters straight, as we fought and 
died to save Europe for democracy with our eyes lifted 
to the hills, undaunted and unafraid, w^e will gladly go 
forth to save democracy to America. And my opinion of 
the future must deal with the earth, then the heavens, it 
will have less bearing upon theory, and more on actual 
life. Uncle Sam does not hesitate to call his colored sons 
to services, while many have paid the supreme sacrifice, 
and we bless God for sparing the lives of those that re- 
turned and humbly beseech Him to crown their labor with 
success in the future. 

(CURTAIN) 



Q 



1 



